Railton said a representative from Tatura inquired about information surrounding the PDFNL, with early discussions having been held with a board member from the Bulldogs.
It follows recent conversations by Railton with a number of Golden Rivers League clubs about a possible move to the competition if their league folds.
“The club has spoke to me about set-up and inquired about our league as a whole,” Railton said.
“That’s about as far as it’s gone with them.
“There’s certainly been discussions had with Tat and we’ll see where they go.
“These things start from nothing and you never know where they’ll end up.”
However, Tatura president Quinton Langlands made a statement detailing his club’s focus on the remainder of the season, as well as securing a senior coach following Paul Barnard’s exit late last month.
“Tatura Football Netball Club have no interest in moving away from the GVL,” Langlands said.
“Our primary focus as of right now is to finish out the 2025 GVL season and continue our recruitment for a senior coach.”
Tatura is an inaugural member of the GVL and joined the league when it was first launched as the Goulburn Valley District Football Association in 1894.
Since then, the Bulldogs have been a staple of the GVL for 131 years, only missing two seasons due to World War II in 1940 and in 2020, where COVID-19 forced the cancellation of the season.
Langlands’ statement declares Tatura’s commitment to the GVL, yet there are plenty of clubs in the wider region that are curious about joining the PDFNL.
It has previously been reported that if the league is to welcome more clubs, a switch could occur as early as next season.
Ideas for a split division system for geographical purposes — like the PDFNL sported pre-2018 — have been floated, but for now, Railton is focused on catering to clubs that may wish to seek a new home beyond 2025.
“Obviously during these talks, things remain confidential between myself and the clubs,” he said.
“That is extending further now, whereby our board will become engaged in communication over the next week to 10 days as we look towards what’s going on in the future.”
